About medicines
The different types of medicines and how they are classified.
What we do
How we make sure medicines are as safe and effective as possible.
Access to medicines
How you can access medicines and how we manage shortages.
Cost of medicines
How we keep medicines affordable for Australians.
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises a large number of medicines to keep their cost down for Australians.
Biosimilar medicines
Some pharmaceutical companies make medicines that are very similar to existing biological medicines. These are known as biosimilar medicines. We have resources available to help you understand and have confidence in biosimilar medicines.
Medicines Line
1300 633 424
Contact Medicines Line on 1300 MEDICINE for information on prescription, over-the-counter and other medicines (including complementary medicines). Calls are answered by registered pharmacists. The service is available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm AEST (excluding NSW public holidays).
Resources
Resources
Medication Management Review Programs dataset
This publication includes data about Medication Management Review Programs including Home Medicines Review, Residential Medication Management Review and Quality Use of Medicines.
Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA) Community Pharmacy Programs dataset
This publication includes data about Community Pharmacy Programs funded under the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA).
PBS co-payment freeze case study – Peter
A fictional case study on Peter who is saving time and money on PBS medicines from the freeze on the patient co-payment.
PBS co-payment freeze case study – Andrew
A fictional case study on Andrew, who is saving time and money on PBS medicines from the freeze on the patient co-payment and by switching to a generic medicine.